12th Annual Golf Day Event

The 29th and 30th July marked the 12th nsif Celebrity Golf Event hosted at The Oxfordshire Golf Club. The two-day golfing event commenced with keen golfers braving the showers for a practice round on the world-renowned course.

Later that evening the weather cleared up just in time for over 130 guests to enjoy the delicious canape and drinks reception from the terrace overlooking the golf course and undulating hills of the surrounding countryside.

Following this, guests were seated for speeches by the charities founder, David Nicholls, David Colyer and Richard Shepherd CBE. All expressed the importance of the work currently being carried out by nsif and how they personally became involved. Loyal event attendees were thanked for their tremendous contribution over the years. Without their support the work the charity funds would simply not be possible.

The three-course meal prepared by Head Chef Trevor Pritchard and chefs from the Mandarin Oriental London was a culinary delight. This experience was further enhanced by the entertainment; Magic Circle member Bryan Gunton toured the room with his deck of cards and illusions and guests were treated to a performance by the Swinging Rascals. During this the room came alive with song and dance from the attendees. A highlight was New York, New York where nearly everybody shot to their feet to link arms and sway in time with the music.

Throughout the evening guests had the opportunity to bid on some fantastic prizes in the Silent Auction, with the technology provided by iRiS and Red Rocket and the Live Auction hosted by Willy Thorne. Items included numerous Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel stays, a meal for eight at the three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn with wine from Michel Roux’s private cellar and a fantastic painting by accomplished artist Angela Wakefield.

The next morning, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, the competition commenced as the 27 teams took to the course. The winning team, led by Ken Sievewright, took home the winners’ prize of a golfing holiday in Andalucía. All celebrated the successful competition of the course with the famous Golf Day brunch.

A huge thank you goes out to all those who have supported the event over the years, from the attendees, generous prize donors, those that bid on auction items, the staff and everybody that helped to organise the event. Jennifer and Paul Gibbons deserve a special mention for allowing us to host the day at their fantastic resort. Likewise, the Mandarin Oriental not only donated an array of fantastic prizes but this year the impeccable service was provided entirely by the food and beverage team, who are volunteering their time at various charities while the London hotel is temporarily out of action.

The Golf Day is the charity’s biggest event. The proceeds fund the continuation of the ground-breaking work into finding a cure for SCI. Without all your support it would not be possible. Thanks again.